The Summer Wives: A Novel

This is a beautifully written story. I loved the richly drawn characters especially Miranda. She's a newcomer to the Island. It's here that she learns about love and life. The Islanders and the Summer people each follow their own set if rules. I was fascinated by the ridged structure of Society here. Winthrop Island is beautiful but it's secrets are ugly. The murder of Hugh Fisher is a case in point. Joseph Vargo was convicted of the crime but Miranda knew he couldn't kill anyone. I was enthralled by her. She's a fighter. She won't be stopped until she succeeds. Her story is entwined with that of her stepsister, Isobel. They are completely different personalities. Beatriz Williams wrote a wonderful story. I was drawn in and I couldn't put the book down. The ending was sweet and touching. It left me wanting more. The Summer Wives is a must read.

I enjoyed this book a great deal -- the descriptions of island life and the East Coast morals (or the lack thereof) amongst the moneyed WASPS of the 40s-50s-60s were spot on. I grew up in a setting like this and the echoes this book sent through me were a little unnerving. Overall the story was beautifully told and provided great insight into the culture clash between the Families (the people with $$$) and the Islanders (the people without). Loads of suspense; it was hard to put down.As one might expect there's a golden boy -- or young man -- who gets whatever he wants. Hugh Fisher destroys several lives until he himself is destroyed. I did struggle a bit with this character (probably because he reminded me of numerous entitled people from my own childhood). I do think his personality was a little under-developed, but I realize the author didn't want us to sympathize with him.The female characters of Isobel and Miranda were the molten lava of this story -- they coursed along with both friendship and fire. Two high school graduates, both lovely in their own ways, became inextricably connected in this web of love, lust, wealth, and always the contrast of the meager lives of the hardworking locals. Some reviewers say the book had an incomplete resolution, but I thought it fit the story. It was a little implausible, but that's OK.

I found that there were really no characters in the book with whom I was able to find much sympathy. The story was interesting, but as it unfolded it was more and more like watching a car crash. You really don't want to see it but somehow you keep watching.This small community was inbred, it was interesting to hear the dynamic between the summer people, the 'Families' and the locals called the 'Islanders'. It seemed that each of the relationships had its own issues, one partner was taking advantage of the other ..... and in some cases both partners were using the other in some way.It is an interesting book to read, but I am not likely to pick up another of the author's books.

Beatriz Williams has a truly creative way of combining history and culture in order to write stories that capture my heart and my soul! I have a love for history, a fascination with cultures, and can't resist a story about women finding their true selves while living extraordinary lives. I am excited to add Beatriz Williams to my kindred spirits list. "The Summer Wives" is a testament to Beatriz's understanding of women and what makes us tick. It is beautifully written ,with rich word choices that make my mouth water, like eating the finest dark chocolate or dipping strawberries into expensive champagne!"The Summer Wives" is a saga that crosses many generations of women on Winthrop, a small island across from Long Island, NY, on the mainland. Beatriz focuses on the summer months on the island but spans decades - 1930's to the 50s and concludes in the tumultuous 60s into the 70s. "The Summer Wives" is a story about class differences, money, and power. Yet, Beatriz Williams takes a closer look at how this time and society norms affected women, both the year-round female residents and the summer residents. As Beatriz explores the differences between island and society women, she cleverly highlights the behaviors that make these women more alike! By the end of the book, I was convinced Winthrop Island could be a better place if the women were in charge!While I read, Beatriz William had complete control of my emotions. As I read, I cried with the characters as they grieved. I cheered with every victory and laughed at the many antics Beatriz had her characters involved in. There was no clear happily ever after or hero and heroine riding off in the sunset. However, the book did leave me with a feeling of hope."The Summer Wives" is a beautifully written novel full of lush history and deep cultural views. It is guaranteed to make you think and to question your own values. However, "The Summer Wives" is also a story that will have cheering for the strength and resilience of women everywhere! Don't miss this wonderful summer read!

I like this book, I like the characters. It is a difficult book to put down and come back to, because the time line and story line jump back and forth so frequently that it gets confusing when you return to it.

This is one of the worst books that I have read. It is full of lusty characters having zero morals indulging in illicit acts, at times with minors or relatives. There is graphic description of these acts, which is disgusting.So, I advise readers not to be fooled (like me) by the high ratings and stay away from this book. Waste of time and money!

It took a little thinking to go back and forth with the timelines but it all came together! Great character development and story!

A boring book that is disjointed and uninteresting. One can not warm to the characters and the author of the crime was evident long before being disclosed. The ending was luke warm to say the least. I do not recommend it.

This was exactly as described - a page-turner! I’m a fan of past worlds on the page because I can escape a little more into them but I found the characters here so engaging and enjoyed this more than most. Thank you!

I think I must have mistaken this author for another. Was not ready to read a romance book. Fairly uninteresting, writing is beige, events predictable. Maybe if you like romance....